Fundraising Agreement for Ice Arena Expansion Approved
Partnership Advances Second Sheet Of Ice To Meet Growing Community Demand
Steamboat Springs, Colorado-May 6, 2026-Steamboat Springs City Council approved last evening a fundraising agreement with the Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association and the Steamboat Skating Club to support the expansion of Howelsen Ice Arena, marking a major step forward in delivering a long-anticipated second sheet of ice.
“For years, we’ve seen demand outpace available ice time,” said Parks and Recreation Director Angela Cosby. “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for youth athletics, community recreation, and year-round programming.”
The agreement formalizes a public-private partnership aimed at addressing the growing demand for ice time driven by youth hockey, figure skating, curling, adult leagues, and public skating. The project will add a covered, multi-use, NHL-sized ice sheet and a practice ice sheet increasing year-round recreational capacity for residents and visitors alike. Additional locker rooms and storage space are also planned as part of the expansion.
The city has committed $2 million in 2026 capital funding toward the project and has already invested more than $4.5 million in site readiness and supporting infrastructure, including parking, utilities, sidewalks, and facility improvements.
The Steamboat Skating Club and Steamboat Springs Youth Hockey Association have secured an additional $4 million in commitments, which will be placed in escrow alongside the city’s contribution upon execution of the agreement.
The expansion has been in development for over a decade, with planning efforts dating back to 2015 and multiple recommendations from advisory groups and commissions supporting the need for additional ice capacity. The project aligns with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which identified expanded ice facilities as a priority.
Once complete, the new covered ice sheet will not only increase winter ice availability but also provide flexible space for recreational programming during spring, summer, and fall. For more information about the Howelsen Ice Arena expansion, visit EngageSteamboat.net.
Contact
Email Angela Cosby, Parks and Recreation Director, or call 970-871-7040
Email Drew Pickle, Deputy Director-Recreation, or call 970-871-7003
Email Michael Lane, Marketing and Communications Manager, or call 970-871-8220
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